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March 4, 2016 |
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NSSF Joins Call for $1.3B Annual  An impressive lineup of leaders from energy, business and conservation this week released recommendations on how to address underfunded state efforts to conserve and restore wildlife species. The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources, on which NSSF President Steve Sanetti served, determined that $1.3 billion of the more than $10 billion in revenue derived from energy and mineral development on federal lands should be used to fund state-based conservation efforts. This annual investment would enable state fish and wildlife agencies to proactively manage species reducing taxpayer costs and regulatory red tape for species listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. The number of species petitioned for listing under the Act has increased by 1,000 percent in less than a decade. State agencies historically have been funded by sportsmen through license fees, such as the Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, as well as others on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. While states have developed wildlife action plans identifying 12,000 species in greatest need for conservation efforts, limited funding requires prioritization of the species facing the highest endangerment risk, leaving thousands of other species and their habitats unaddressed.
Full Court to Hear Maryland Gun Law Challenge
Chicago Anti-Gun Activists Suit Dismissed Eight months after a Chicago coalition of activists, including the outspoken Father Michael Pfleger, filed suit against several municipalities in the Chicago area to force them to adopt ordinances to regulate firearms licensees, the lawsuit has been dismissed by a Cook County judge. Plaintiffs relied on a report commissioned by the City of Chicago to argue that the municipalities should enact more stringent rules and that failure to do so was a violation of the Civil Rights Act because violence disproportionately jeopardizes the lives of those living in some of Chicago's most impoverished neighborhoods. Ultimately, the judge found the coalition failed to provide a legal basis to link the defendants' regulation of firearms retailers to the violence found in certain Chicago neighborhoods.
Minnesotans Need to Attend Traditional Ammo Ban Hearing
Iowa Senate Committee Approves Suppressor Bill The Iowa Senate Judiciary Committee this week by an 11-2 vote approved House File 2279. Supported by NSSF, HF 2279 would legalize the ownership and use of suppressors. Currently, 41 states allow for the lawful possession and use of suppressors, and 38 states allow suppressors to be used for hunting. HF 2279 could receive a vote on the senate floor within the next week.
California Looks to Enact More Gun Control
Indiana Legislature Looks to Allow Deer Hunting with Rifles House Bill 1231, sponsored by State Rep. Lloyd Arnold, would greatly increase opportunities for deer hunters in the Hoosier State. HB 1231 would require the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to establish a deer hunting season in which rifles could be used. NSSF strongly supports HB 1231 and the possibility of expanding hunting opportunities in Indiana.
Guns Are Not Pathogens, the Truth Is Out
NSSF Congressional Fly-In April 12-13 The 2016 NSSF Congressional Fly-In will be held April 12-13. Every year the Fly-In provides an outstanding opportunity for leaders from NSSF voting member companies and supporting distributor and manufacturing member companies, as well as leading retailers, to meet with members of Congress. Those eligible to attend are receiving information regarding registration and hotel information via email. You can also register now.
Firearms Industry Compliance Conference May 2-4
Orchid Advisors and NSSF have announced that registration is now open for the third annual Firearms Industry Compliance Conference (FICC), to be held May 2-4 in Atlanta. The FICC program features three learning tracks and will include timely and relevant discussions of how the regulatory environment has evolved over the past two years, especially including the 2016 Presidential Actions. Two pre-conference sessions will be held on May 2, prior to the official conference start, and will provide FFLs with concentrated training sessions on firearms industry technology and federal firearms regulations.
#GUNVOTE in the Upcoming Primaries
Signing Up for NSSF PAC Made Easier for Member Companies The NSSF Political Action Committee (NSSF PAC) works to support pro-firearms industry, pro-Second Amendment and pro-sportsmen candidates for federal office. Federal law requires a trade association PAC to obtain prior approval from its corporate members before it may send important PAC news, including current political news, election information and exclusive invitations to PAC events and updates, to corporate member executives. Now, signing up for NSSF PAC has never been easier. Just click the link below, fill out the form, add contacts (or email us a list of names) and hit submit! What are you waiting for? Help ensure our industry is heard as we approach the crucial 2016 election year. Sign up today! Online PAC Prior Consent Form.
Thank You to Our Latest NSSF PAC Contributors Industry Club (up to $249): John Richardson, Laura Springer
Learn more about our industry's Political Action Committee:
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| NSSF Government Resources | NSSF PAC |
| nssf.org/GovRel | nssfpac.org |
On Thursday, March 10, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on the 
The California Assembly Committee on Public Safety approved three anti-gun bills earlier this week, each by a vote of 5-2. 
"The idea of addressing 'gun violence' as a public health problem persists among a number of scientists whom I think should know better: many of my fellow physicians, led by some of our specialty organizations." writes Dr. Robert B. Young. "Guns are not pathogens—it is how they are used that matters. Epidemics are not characterized by gradual steady declines in morbidity and mortality, as homicides and violent crime have shown, accompanied by dramatic increases in gun ownership for 20 years." 
